Creel assembly including stop motion devices for circular knitting machines

ABSTRACT

A creel assembly including a plurality of frame sections, each being made up of a plurality of modular units, the frame sections being supportable in braced relation on a common horizontal support surface with a circular knitting machine in radially outwardly spaced relation to the periphery of the machine and in annularly spaced relation thereabout so as the define a circumferential aisle on the horizontal support surface extending about the periphery of the machine and a plurality of access aisles of a number equal to the number of frame sections communicating with the exterior of the circumferential aisle at annularly spaced positions, the frame sections carrying transfer tail yarn packages in generally vertically extending aligned relation to a target eye at convenient vertical levels permitting storage of yarn packages on the horizontal support surface therebelow, the frame sections providing yarn guide elements including weighted self-cleaning friction disc assemblies for guiding each yarn from the target eye to an outlet eye, a pullout stop-motion device associated with each outlet eye and a plurality of spring biased over-center parallel linkage mechanisms mounting the stop-motion devices for movement between an upper operative position wherein the stop-motion devices are disposed above the circumferential aisle a distance substantially above the head of the operator stationed therein for guiding the yarns from the outlet eyes to the associated in-feed positions on the machine along angular paths which extend upwardly and then downwardly and a lower feed position wherein the stop-motion devices are disposed above the circumferential aisle within easy reach of an operator stationed therein.

United States Patent 1191 Burnetet al;

[ Dec. 11, 1973 CREEL ASSEMBLY INCLUDING STOP MOTION DEVICES FOR CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINES [7 51 Inventors: Arthur L. Burnet; Joe F. London,

Jr., both of Greensboro, N.C.

[73] Assignee: Burlington lndustries,lnc.,

Greensboro, N.C.

221 Filed: Mar.31,1972

21 Appl. No.: 240,141

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,168,996 2/1965 Vossen 242/131 3,461,691 8/1969 Ballard.. 66/125 R 3,674,223 7/1972 Phillip 242/131 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,088,653 10/1967 Great Britain 66/125 R Primary Examiner-Robert R. Mackey Attorney-John W. Malley et al.

[57] ABSTRACT A creel assembly including a plurality of frame sections, each being made up of a plurality of modular units, the frame sections being supportable in braced relation on a common horizontal :support surface with a circular knitting machine in radially outwardly spaced relation to the periphery of the machine and in annularly spaced relation thereabout so as the define a circumferential aisle on the horizontal support surface extending about the periphery of the machine and a plurality of access aisles of a number equal to the number of frame sections communicating with the exterior of the circumferential aisle at annularly spaced positions, the frame sections carrying transfer tail yarn packages in generally vertically extending aligned relation to a target eye at convenient vertical levels permitting storage of yarn packages on the horizontal support surface therebelow, the frame sections providing yarn guide elements including weighted selfcleaning friction disc assemblies for guiding each yarn from the target eye to an outlet eye, a pull-out stop motion device associated with each outlet eye and a plurality of spring biased over-center parallel linkage mechanisms mounting the stop-motion devices for movement between an upper operative position wherein the stop-motion devices are disposed above the circumferential aisle a distance substantially above the head of the operator stationed therein for guiding the yarns from the outlet eyes to the associated in-feed positions on the machine along angular paths which extend upwardly and then downwardly and a lower feed position wherein the stop-motion devices are disposed above the circumferential aisle within easy reach of an operator stationed therein.

11 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PAlmIgnn'acx 1 ma SHEH Z [If 5 1 CREEL ASSEMBLY INCLUDING STOP MOTION DEVICES FOR CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINES knitting machines are equipped with an umbrella creel on their top. Due to yarn package numbers, space, and weight limitations, the conventional umbrella creels generally do not provide for transfer tails. Transfer tails, which is the mounting of two yarn packages for each yarn path so that the trailing end of the yarn package being used can be tied to the leading end of the yarn package not being used, is highly desirable in that it permits new packages to be continuously supplied without the necessity of stopping the operation of the machine. Thus, where transfer tails are not provided, it becomes necessary to stop the operation of the machine every time it becomes necessary to tie on new packages. Moreover, the height of most umbrella creels makes it difficult to tie on new packages without the use of a ladder. Normally, the guide arrangement and stop motion devices are mounted so high that they have to be threaded with a yarn thread stick which makes it difficult to do well and prevents close supervision and inspection of thread-ups. In addition, the problem of threading up the machine, either with a ladder or with the yarn stick, is disliked by operators because of the difficulty of the job and the sometime danger. Moreover, where an operator must use a stick approximately 4 or 5 feet above his eye level to thread a guide, visual inspection by the operator sufficient to permit proper threading is almost impossible and consequently, many mis-threads and variations in tensions occur which can cause holes in the fabric, barre-, etc. Furthermore, the height of the pull-out stop-motion devices oftentimes precludes raising the knitting machine to a height to allow production of larger diameter knit fabric rolls.

To alleviate these disadvantages, attempts have been made to develop magazine side creels where the yarns are placed at workable level at the side of the machine and threaded through guides over the top of the knitting machine and into the machine. Some of the side creels have worked well on filament yarns. Although most side creels provide for the use of transfer tails, they have stop-motion devices which are either too high and not sufficiently accessible, or they place very high and uneven tensions on the yarn, due to the uneven paths of yarn travel between the side creels and the machine. With the use of spun yarns, where the yarn is fairly weak, and on pattern designs, where tape feeds can not be used, a very low tension must be maintained coming out of the creel to permit efficient knitting. At present, on existing side creels due to arrangement of stop-motion devices which are required to give approximately 30 inches of surplus yarn for machine stoppage, sufficiently low levels of tension for spun yarns have been impractical to obtain due to the numerous guides and angles that the yarn must make through its path to the needles.

Another contributing factor to the impracticality of obtaining minimum yarn tensions with the use of existing side creels is that the yarn packages in most side creels are supported generally horizontally so that the yarn pull-off is generally horizontal instead of vertical as is the case with most umbrella creels. Horizontal pull-off which is utilized in most side creel assemblies due to the necessity to concentrate the mounting of the creels within a relatively small space, introduces unevenness in yarn tension which is not presented by vertical yarn pull-off, which uneven tensions present significant problems when utilizing spun yarns.

One of the major problems which has been encountered in prior art creels, both of the umbrella type as well as the side magazine type, is the placement of the pull-out stop-motion devices. The pull-out stop-motion device is usually mounted fairly high above the knitting machine and is set so that when a certain tension level is reached, the yarn will pull out of the stop-motion device, thus causing the machine to stop. However, since the machine can not stop instantaneously because of its inertia, the pull-out of the yarn from the stop-motion device frees enough surplus length of yarn so that the machine can continue knitting until the automatic brake has time to stop the machine. If this was not done, as soon as a high-tension level was reached, a hole would be caused due to the yarn breaking. Due to the need to get a satisfactory length of yarn out of the pull-out stop-motion device, the stop-motion devices in most creels must be placed high above the knitting machine. This not only reduces accessibility of the stopmotion devices but introduces additional angles in the yarn path which make the tension levels for most spun yarns too high and impractical to run on a knitting ma chine.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a creel assembly which secures all of the above-noted advantages of both umbrella creels and side magazine creels while alleviating the disadvantages thereof and which substantially overcomes the problems incident to the mounting of the pull-out stop-motion devices embodied therein.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, this objective is achieved by forming the creel assembly with a plurality of frame sections having means for supporting the same on a common horizontal support surface with acircul'ar knitting machine in radially outwardly spaced relation to the periphery of the machine and in annularly spaced relation thereabout so as to define a circumferential aisle on the horizontal support surface extending about the periphery of the machine and a plurality of access aisles of a number equal to the number of frame sections communicating with the exterior of the circumferential aisle at annularly spaced positions. By spacing the frame sections in the manner indicated above, the concentration of yarn packages heretofore required in side creels is diminished, thereby permitting the yarn packages to be supported at a convenient horizontal level of access to an operator stationed on the circumferential aisle. By thus distributing the yarn package supporting space, in this manner there is ample room to provide not only for transfer tails but for vertical yarn pull-off from each package. Moreover, the arrangement facilitates the use of self-cleaning friction discs for controlling the tension of each yarn, as well as the optimum positioning of the outlet guides on the frame assemblies and the pull-out stopmotion devices with respect to the positions of yarn in-feed to the machine. Finally, the arrangement provides for the convenient mounting of the stopmotion devices for vertical movement between a raised operative position providing a minimum angular change in the yarn path and a lowered feeding or threading position providing for convenient eye-level access to an operator stationed in the circumferential aisle.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a creel assembly of the type described in which each frame section is of modular construction permitting the make-up of creel assemblies for handling any desired number of yarn feeds for a particular knitting machine.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a creel assembly of the type described in which the pull-out stop-motion devices are mounted at a vertical level permitting the knitting machine to be raised to allow a larger diameter roll of fabric to be knit before cloth doffing, such larger rolls being desired for both economy of operation and quality of output.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a mechanism for mounting a pull-out stopmotion device in operative relation with a knitting machine for vertical movement of the stop-motion device from a raised operative position to a lowered feeding or threading position, the mechanism embodying a parallel linkage resiliently biased into either of such positions by an over-center spring arrangement, enabling the operator to effect movement of the stop-motion device away from either of the positions toward the other at least to a point past an intermediate null position.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent during the course of the following detailed description and appended claims.

The invention may best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein an illustrative embodiment is shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic top-plan view of a creel assembly embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a modular portion of a frame section of the present creel assembly;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the structure shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a pull-out stopmotion mounting mechanism embodied in the creel assembly of the present invention, the mechanism being shown in solid lines with the pull-out stop-motion devices disposed in their raised-operative position and in broken lines with the pull-out stop'motion devices in their lowered-threading or feeding position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 thereof a creel assembly, generally indicated at 10, embodying the principles of the present invention, the creel assembly being shown generally schematically in operative position with a circu' lar knitting machine generally indicated at 12. The circular knitting machine may be of any conventional construction of the type in which the yarn is fed thereto at stationary feed positions. For purposes of illustrating the present creel assembly invention, a circular knitting machine having 36 yarn feeds is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1.

The creel assembly 10 includes three frame sections of substantially similar construction, each of which is indicated generally by the numeral 14in FIG. 1. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the frame sections 14 are adapted to be supported on the same horizontal surface as the circular knitting machine 12 (e.g. the floor) in radially outwardly spaced relation to the periphery of the circular knitting machine and in annularly spaced relation thereabout so as to define a circumferential aisle, indicated at 16 in FIG. 1, and three access aisles, indicated at 18 in FIG. 1, communicating with the circumferential aisle 16 at three equally spaced positions.

In the preferred embodiment shown, each frame section 14 is made up of three modular units of similar construction, each of which is indicated at 20. Consequently, a description of one modular unit 20 and the manner in which the modular units are interconnected should suffice to give an understanding of the construction of each frame section 14. The modular unit construction is greatly preferred since it renders the present creel assembly it) easily adaptable to accommodate circular knitting machines 12 having a number of infeed yarns which are greater than 36, such as 48, 60, 72, 84, etc., as will become more apparent hereinafter.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, each modular unit 20 includes an upright member 22 which, in the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, is in the form of an elongated tube. The lower end of the upright 22 has a flanged fitting 24 fixedly secured thereto which may either be directly bolted to the floor or to a lower floor member 26. In the preferred embodiment shown, the floor member 26 is of arcuate configuration and constitutes one point of interconnection between adjacent modular units 20. This interconnection is preferably effected by simply making the floor members 26 associated with each of the three modular units 20 forming the frame section 14 of integral construction. It will be understood, however, that means may be provided for rigidly interconnecting three separate floor members 26 in end-to-end relation.

The upper end of the upright 22 has a fitting 28 fixedly secured thereto which fitting serves to fixedly interconnect an upper horizontal member 30 to the upper end of the upright 26. The upper member 30 also constitutes a point of connection between adjacent modular units and here again, a unitary upper member 30 of arcuate configuration is associated with the three modular units of each frame section. Again, it will be understood that separate horizontal members 30 may be provided, the ends of each being rigidly interconnected.

Each upright member 22 carries a pair of upper and lower horizontal members 32. As shown, the horizontal members are generally straight (although they may be arcuate) and disposed in tangential relation with respect to the axis of the circular knitting machine. Each of the members includes a central hub-like portion 34 I which slidably embraces the upright member 22. The

upper horizontal member 32 is fixedly secured to the upright member at a position generally centrally of the ends thereof by a pair of set screws 36 or the like. It will be understood that the set screws provide for the fixed securement of the upper member 32 in any position of vertical adjustment along the upright 22. The lower horizontal member 32 is similarly fixed to the upright 22 by set screws 36 or the like in a position generally mid-way between the upper horizontal member 32 and the lower end of the upright member 22. Each horizontal member 32 provides a pair of arm portions extending outwardly from the hub portion 34- on opposite sides of the upright 22 which serve to support a pair of horizontal cross members 38. Preferably, each cross member is secured intermediate its ends to the associated arm portion of the horizontalmember 32 for adjustment along the length of the member 32 toward and away from the upright 22. While any suitablemeans may be provided to accomplish this adjustment, as shown, each arm portion of each horizontal member 32 is formed with an elongated slot 40 through which a bolt assembly 42 extends, which bolt assembly also extends through the central portion of the associated horizontal cross member 38. With this arrangement, pivotal adjustment of each cross member is also provided.

As best shown in FllG. 3, the outer ends of each cross member 38 are bent so as to incline upwardly and outwardly and have their extremities bifurcated so ss to pivotally receive therebetween, as indicated at 44, L- shaped adjusting elements 46. The pivotal connection 44 with respect to each L-shaped element 46 is at a point intermediate a depending leg thereof, the opposite leg extending at right angles thereto and inwardly toward the central portion of the associated cross member 38. Each adjusting element 46 is moved into any desired position of adjustment about its pivotal axis 44 by any suitable means, such as an adjusting bolt 48 threadedly engaged upwardly within the adjacent por' tion of the associated cross member 38 so that its upper free end engages the lower surface of the inwardly ex tending leg of the associated adjusting element. The upper surface of the inwardly extending leg of each adjusting element 46 has connected therewith a conventional yarn package mounting unit, indicated at 56.

The upright member 22 also carries, at a position in termediate the upper horizontal member 32 and the upper member 30, a horizontally extending guide bar 52. The guide bar is secured to the upright 22 in any position of vertical adjustment by any suitable means, such as a U-bolt assembly 54 embracing the upright member 22 and extending through appropriate apertures in the central portion of the guide bar 52. The guide bar 52 thus extends generally parallel with the horizontal members 32 and carries at opposite end portions thereof a series of four spaced yarn guide assemblies 56. Each assembly 56 includes a strap bent so as to provide an upper vertical portion 58 adapted to be secured to the guide bar 52 as by a bolt assembly 60 or the like, a portion 62 extending downwardly from the lower end of the attaching portion 58 at an approximately 45 angle inwardly toward the circular knitting machine, having an outlet eye 6 1i formed therein, a friction disc mounting portion 66 extending downwardly at right angles from the outlet eye portion 62 having a conventional friction disc assembly 68 mounted on the upper central portion thereof, and a horizontally extending terminal portion 70 extending from the lower end of the portion 66 having a central guide eye 72 mounted therein.

The guide eyes 72 on the inner guide assemblies 56 are associated with yarn packages carried by the yarn package mounting units 50 associated with the upper horizontal member 32. These guide eyes '72 constitute target eyes for the upper yarn packages. The outer guide assemblies are associated with the yarn packages carried by the lower horizontal member 32. However, because of their lower position, the target eyes for the lower yarn packages are provided by a pair of pigtails 74 which are aligned with the slots 40 in the upper horizontal member 32 and adjustably fixed to the latter, as by an attaching bracket or the like. 76.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 4, each modular unit 26 also includes a series of pull-out stopmotion devices 78 of a number equal to the number of yarn guide assemblies 56. The pull-out stop-motion devices may be of any conventional design, an examplary embodiment is the Model ZFW 1068 device produced by Gebruder Frei of Germany distributed by the Republic Textile Equipment Company. in accordance with the principles of the present invention, means is provided for mounting the stop-motion devices for movement between an upper operative position wherein the stop-motion devices are disposed above the circumferential aisle 116 a distance substantially above the head of an operator stationed therein for guiding yarn passing through the associated yarn guide assemblies 56 to an associated in-feed position on the circular knitting machine 112 along an angular path which extends upwardly and then downwardly and a lower-threading or feeding position wherein the stopmotion devices ar disposed above: the circumferential aisle within easy reach of an operator stationed therein. In the preferred embodiment shown, this means takes the form of a pair of parallel linkage mechanisms 80, of generally similar construction, each parallel linkage mechanism 80 being associated with two yarn guide assemblies 56 and two pull-out stop-motion devices 78.

As best shown in FlGS. 4 and 5, each parallel linkage mechanism d ll includes a mounting block 82 which is disposed on the radially inwardly extending surface of the upper frame member 30 and adjustably fixed thereto by any suitable means, such as a pairof U-bolt assemblies M. lEachblock 82 includes a bore 66 extending vertically therethrough for rotatably receiving a shaft 33 which is adjustably fixed within the associated bore 66 by any suitable means, such as a set screw 96 or the like. Fixed to the upper end of each shaft 86, as by welding or the like, is a vertical plate 92 of generally rectangular configuration having a pair of vertically spaced pivot pins 94 connected thereto. Two parallel links 96 are pivotally interconnected at one of their ends with the pivot pins '94, and have their opposite ends pivotally interconnected, as indicated at 98, between a pair of parallel bars lliitli which extend downwardly therefrom in depending relation. A cross bar 102 is fixed to the lower end of the parallel bars ltld in outwardly extending relation from opposite sides thereof and provides a support for the two pull-out stop-motion devices 76 associated therewith. As shown, each stop-motion device is connected with an outer end of the cross bar 102 as by an attaching bracket NM or the like. It will be understood that the attaching bracket may provide for a certain amount of horizontal and vertical adjustment, as well as pivotal adjustment of the position of the stop-motion devices 76.

It can be seen that the parallel links 96 serve to per mit movement of the pull-out stop motion devices between a raised position, such as shown in solid lines in FIG. 4!, and a lowered position, such as shown in broken lines in FllG. 4. Preferably, each parallel linkage mechanism 66 includes adjustable stop means for limiting the movement of the parallel links between the raised and lowered positions thereof, and an overcenter spring means for biasing the parallel links into either of its limiting positions. In the preferred embodiment shown, the stop function is provided by a stop block 106 rotatably adjustably fixed to the vertical plate 92 at a position between the pivot pins 94 so as to be engaged by the lower parallel link 96 when the devices are disposed in their upper or raised position and by the upper parallel link 96 when the devices are disposed in their lower position. It will be noted that by rotating the stop block 106 the position of the limits of movement can be varied.

The over-center spring function is provided by a pair of parallel coil springs 108 disposed on opposite sides of the plate 92 with one pair of ends thereof connected to the lower parallel link 96 at a position adjacent the associated pivot pin 94, as indicated at 110. The opposite pair of ends of the coil springs 108 is suitably connected with the vertical plate 92 at a position indicated at 112. The position of the connections 110 and 112 is such that when the parallel links 96 are disposed in their raised position, the bias of the springs acts in a direction to maintain the parallel links in its upper limited position. Likewise, when the parallel links are disposed in their lowermost position, the bias of the springs 108 acts in a direction to maintain the parallel links in their lower limited position. It will also be noted that the overcenter spring arrangement includes a null position intermediate the raised and lowered position of the parallel links where the bias changes as aforesaid.

Each parallel linkage mechanism 80 also includes manually engageable means for enabling an operator to effect movement of the parallel linkage mechanism 80 away from either of its limiting positions toward the other at least past the intermediate null position. As shown, this manually engageable means includes a handle or lever l 14 having its upper end pivotally interconnected with the parallel links, as indicated at 116.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the frame assemblies 14 are preferably braced in the aforesaid operative relation with respect to the circular knitting machine 12. In the illustrative embodiment shown for a 32 feed machine utilizing three frame sections 14, each being made up of three modular units interconnected as aforesaid, an arcuate brace 118 is disposed between the ends of the upper members 30 of adjacent frame sections 14 and suitably fixed thereto. A radial brace 120 is fixed at one end to the central portion of each arcu ate brace 118 and has its opposite end fixed to the central portion of the circular knitting machine stationary structure. It will be understood that since each modular unit 20 accommodates four yarn feeds, a 48 feed circular knitting machine could be accommodated by adding three more modular units 20. Preferably, these modular units would be added as a separate frame section 14 to provide a total of four sections. These sections would preferably be combined into two diametrically opposed large sections of six modular units providing two access aisles therebetween. Where floor space considerations permit, the four sections can be maintained separated with the spacing between frame sections being modified to provide equal annular spacing and four access aisles. Alternatively, one modular unit could be added to each of the frame sections 14 as shown. It will be understood that machines having feeds of 60, 72 and above can be accommodated in like fashion. It will also be understood that the bracing elements 118 are changed accordingly.

In FIG. 1 the modular units 20 of each frame section 14 are shown in dotted lines in their operative relation with the circular knitting machine 12. The yarn paths from the outlet eyes 64 through the associated pull-out stop-motion devices 78 over the guide ring of the knitting machine and into the in-feed positions thereon are shown in solid lines in FIG. 1, as indicated at Y, and it will be noted that the length of the yarn paths do not appreciably change throughout. Moreover, a very favorable minimal angular change in the paths upwardly from the outlet eyes to the pull-out stop-motion devices 78 and downwardly to the guide ring of the machine is maintained. The arrangement minimizes frictional drag while at the same time providing for the excess yarn required in the normal operation of conventional pull-out stop-motion devices. The parallel linkage mechanisms 80 provide a convenient arrangement for effecting the threading operation once the machine has been stopped by the operation of the pull-out stop-motion devices 78. In this regard, the operator simply reaches up and grasps the associated hand lever 114 and pulls the parallel links 96 downwardly against the bias of the springs 108 until the null position is reached. After a slight amount of movement beyond the null position, springs 108 then serve to bias the parallel links into their lower limiting position and to hold the same therein against the stop block 106. The stopmotion device is now disposed in a very convenient eye-level position for the operator to effect the threading operation. After the threading operation has been com pleted, the operator simply grasps the lever 114 again and moves the parallel linkage upwardly beyond the null position, allowing it to move under the action of the springs 108 in a controlled manner up to the raised limiting position wherein the lower parallel link engages stop block 106.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the yarn paths from the yarn packages to the outlet eyes 64 is indicated at Y in solid lines. First, it will be noted that the arrangement wherein the lower packages are supported at a position above the floor level is desirable in that the space below the lower horizontal members 32 may be utilized for yarn package storage. It will be understood that it is within the contemplation of the present invention to provide a third horizontal member 32 together with the members carried thereby adjacent the lower end of the upright 22. Indeed, such an arrangement may be desirable in accommodating circular knitting machines having an unusually high number of yarn infeed positions, as for example, or the like.

With reference to FIG. 3, it will be noted that there are two yarn packages associated with each target eye, and that each of the yarn packages is disposed with its axis substantially in alignment with the target eye. The axis of each package is substantially vertical or as nearly so as is physically practicable by the utilization of two packages in association with each target eye. Of course, the purpose of providing two yarn packages for each target eye is so that the trailing end of the yarn package being used can be tied to the leading end of the other yarn package, as illustrated at T in FIG. 3. It will be noted that the yarn paths from the lower packages to the associated outlet eyes 64 are quite direct and do not vary substantially in length with respect to the yarn paths of the upper packages. The arrangement of the total yarn paths is such as to present a minimum drag on the yarns, permitting the creel assembly. 10 to function quite satisfactorily with spun yarns. In this regard, the friction disc assemblies 68 are preferably of the type where the upper disc is biased toward the lower disc simply by its own weight. This arrangement is preferred to spring-loaded disc assemblies and is particularly desirable since it permits rotation of the upper disc so that it becomes self-cleaning.

It thus will be seen that the objects of this invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiment has been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principles of this invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

We claim:

1. A creel assembly for a circular knitting machine of the type operable to progressively knit tubular fabric from a multiplicity of yarns fed thereto at a multiplicity of fixed circumferentially spaced yarn in-feed positions disposed at the upper end portion of the machine, said creel assembly including a plurality of frame sections having means for supporting the same on a common horizontal support surface with a circular knitting machine in radially outwardly spaced relation to the periphery of the machine and in annularly spaced relation thereabout so as to define a circumferential aisle on the horizontal support surface extending about the periphery of the machine and a plurality of access aisles of a number equal to the number of frame sections communicating with the exterior of the circumferential aisle at annularly spaced positions, a multiplicity of generally vertically extending target guide means of a number equal to the number of yarns fed to the machine carried by said frame sections, means carried by said frame sections below each of said target guide means for sup porting a pair of yarn packages with their axes extending upwardly in general alignment with the associated target guide means so that the trailing end of the yarn package in use can be connected with the leading end of the other yarn package to enable use of the yarn thereof without interruption, a multiplicity of outlet guide means of a number equal to the number of yarns fed to the machine carried by said frame sections adjacent the upper end portions thereof, means for guiding yarn from each of said target guide means to an associated outlet guide means, a pull-out stop-motion device associated with each outlet guide means, and means carried by said frame sections for mounting said stop motion devices for movement between an upper operative position wherein the stop motion device is disposed above said circumferential aisle a distance substantially above the head of an operator stationed therein for guiding the yarn passing through the associated outlet guide means to an associated infeed posi tion on the machine along an angular path which extends upwardly and then downwardly and a lower feed position wherein the stop-motion device is disposed above the circumferential aisle within easy reach of an operator stationed therein.

2. A creel assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said stop-motion device mounting means includes a plurality of parallel linkage mechanisms, each of said parallel linkage mechanisms including a support structure fixedly carried by the associated frame section, a pair of parallel links pivotally connected at one pair of ends with said support structure, a stop-motion support structure pivotally interconnected with the opposite pair of ends of said parallel links supporting a stop motion device for vertical movement in response to the pivoting of said parallel links between said upper operative position and said lower feed position, and spring means operatively connected between one of said support structures and at least one of said parallel links in an over-center relation to the associated pivot thereof for resiliently biasing said stop-motion device into either of said positions from a null position intermediate thereof, and manually engageable means for enabling an operator to effect movement of said stop'motion de vice away from either of said positions toward the other at least past said intermediate null position.

3. A creel assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said frame sections is made up of a plurality of modular units, each of which includes at least four outlet guide means, four target guide means, four pairs of yarn package supporting means, foru pull-out stopmotion devices and two stop-motion mounting means.

4. A creel assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein each modular unit further includes a single upright member provided at its lower end with said means for supporting the associated frame section on said common horizontal support and having a horizontal member secured to the upper end thereof.

5. A creel assembly as defined in claim t including annularly extending horizontal bracing means fixedly interconnected between the adjacent outer ends of the horizontal members of adjacent frame sections and radially extending horizontal bracing means fixedly connected with said annularly extending bracing means and extending inwardly for fixed securement to a fixed structure of the circular knitting machine.

6. A creel assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein the yarn package supporting means for each modular unitincludes upper and lower horizontal members mounted intermediate their ends on said upright member in a selected one of a plurality of fixed positions of vertical adjustment, a pair of generally parallel cross members mounted intermediate their ends on the end portions of each of said horizontal members on opposite sides of said upright member in a selected one of a plurality of fixed positions of adjustment toward and away from said upright member and means on the ends of each of said cross members for mounting a pair of yarn packages. a

7. A creel assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein the yarn package mounting means on each end of each cross member includes a pivoted element and means for moving said pivoted element into a selected one of a plurality of positions of pivotal adjustment.

8. A creel assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein said lower horizontal member is secured to said upright member at a fixed position of adjustment spaced substantially above the lower end of said upright member so as to provide yarn package storage on the aforesaid common horizontal surface therebelow.

9. A creel assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein each of the two stop-motion mounting means associated with each modular unit comprises a block fixedly secured to said horizontal member in horizontally spaced relation to said upright member, a support structure mounted on said block in a selected one of a plurality of fixed positions of pivotal adjustment about a vertical axis, a pair of parallel links pivotally connected at one pair of ends with said support structure,

a stop-motion support structure pivotally interconnected with the opposite pair of ends of said parallel links supporting two stop-motion devices for vertical movement in response to the pivoting of said parallel links between said upper-operative positions and said lower-feed position, and spring means operatively connected between one of said support structures and at least one of said parallel links in an over-center relation to the associated pivot thereof for resiliently biasing said stop-motion device into either of said positions from a null position intermediate thereof, and manually engageable means for enabling an operator to effect movement of said stop motion devices away from ei- 12 ther of said positions toward the other at least past said intermediate null position.

10. A creel assembly as defined in claim 9 wherein said manually engageable means comprises a rigid lever pivotally interconnected with the associated pair of parallel links intermediate the ends thereof and extending downwardly therefrom.

11. A creel assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said yarn guiding means includes a friction disc assembly for each yarn, each disc assembly including a freely rotatable upper disc biased into engagement with a cooperating lower disc by its own weight. 

1. A creel assembly for a circular knitting machine of the type operable to progressively knit tubular fabric from a multiplicity of yarns fed thereto at a multiplicity of fixed circumferentially spaced yarn in-feed positions disposed at the upper end portion of the machine, said creel assembly including a plurality of frame sections having means for supporting the same on a common horizontal support surface with a circular knitting machine in radially outwardly spaced relation to the periphery of the machine and in annularly spaced relation thereabout so as to define a circumferential aisle on the horizontal support surface extending about the periphery of the machine and a plurality of access aisles of a Number equal to the number of frame sections communicating with the exterior of the circumferential aisle at annularly spaced positions, a multiplicity of generally vertically extending target guide means of a number equal to the number of yarns fed to the machine carried by said frame sections, means carried by said frame sections below each of said target guide means for supporting a pair of yarn packages with their axes extending upwardly in general alignment with the associated target guide means so that the trailing end of the yarn package in use can be connected with the leading end of the other yarn package to enable use of the yarn thereof without interruption, a multiplicity of outlet guide means of a number equal to the number of yarns fed to the machine carried by said frame sections adjacent the upper end portions thereof, means for guiding yarn from each of said target guide means to an associated outlet guide means, a pull-out stop-motion device associated with each outlet guide means, and means carried by said frame sections for mounting said stop motion devices for movement between an upper operative position wherein the stop motion device is disposed above said circumferential aisle a distance substantially above the head of an operator stationed therein for guiding the yarn passing through the associated outlet guide means to an associated in-feed position on the machine along an angular path which extends upwardly and then downwardly and a lower feed position wherein the stop-motion device is disposed above the circumferential aisle within easy reach of an operator stationed therein.
 2. A creel assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said stop-motion device mounting means includes a plurality of parallel linkage mechanisms, each of said parallel linkage mechanisms including a support structure fixedly carried by the associated frame section, a pair of parallel links pivotally connected at one pair of ends with said support structure, a stop-motion support structure pivotally interconnected with the opposite pair of ends of said parallel links supporting a stop-motion device for vertical movement in response to the pivoting of said parallel links between said upper operative position and said lower feed position, and spring means operatively connected between one of said support structures and at least one of said parallel links in an over-center relation to the associated pivot thereof for resiliently biasing said stop-motion device into either of said positions from a null position intermediate thereof, and manually engageable means for enabling an operator to effect movement of said stop-motion device away from either of said positions toward the other at least past said intermediate null position.
 3. A creel assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said frame sections is made up of a plurality of modular units, each of which includes at least four outlet guide means, four target guide means, four pairs of yarn package supporting means, foru pull-out stop-motion devices and two stop-motion mounting means.
 4. A creel assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein each modular unit further includes a single upright member provided at its lower end with said means for supporting the associated frame section on said common horizontal support and having a horizontal member secured to the upper end thereof.
 5. A creel assembly as defined in claim 4 including annularly extending horizontal bracing means fixedly interconnected between the adjacent outer ends of the horizontal members of adjacent frame sections and radially extending horizontal bracing means fixedly connected with said annularly extending bracing means and extending inwardly for fixed securement to a fixed structure of the circular knitting machine.
 6. A creel assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein the yarn package supporting means for each modular unit includes upper and lower horizontal members mounted intermediate their ends on said upright member in a selected one of a plurAlity of fixed positions of vertical adjustment, a pair of generally parallel cross members mounted intermediate their ends on the end portions of each of said horizontal members on opposite sides of said upright member in a selected one of a plurality of fixed positions of adjustment toward and away from said upright member and means on the ends of each of said cross members for mounting a pair of yarn packages.
 7. A creel assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein the yarn package mounting means on each end of each cross member includes a pivoted element and means for moving said pivoted element into a selected one of a plurality of positions of pivotal adjustment.
 8. A creel assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein said lower horizontal member is secured to said upright member at a fixed position of adjustment spaced substantially above the lower end of said upright member so as to provide yarn package storage on the aforesaid common horizontal surface therebelow.
 9. A creel assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein each of the two stop-motion mounting means associated with each modular unit comprises a block fixedly secured to said horizontal member in horizontally spaced relation to said upright member, a support structure mounted on said block in a selected one of a plurality of fixed positions of pivotal adjustment about a vertical axis, a pair of parallel links pivotally connected at one pair of ends with said support structure, a stop-motion support structure pivotally interconnected with the opposite pair of ends of said parallel links supporting two stop-motion devices for vertical movement in response to the pivoting of said parallel links between said upper-operative positions and said lower-feed position, and spring means operatively connected between one of said support structures and at least one of said parallel links in an over-center relation to the associated pivot thereof for resiliently biasing said stop-motion device into either of said positions from a null position intermediate thereof, and manually engageable means for enabling an operator to effect movement of said stop motion devices away from either of said positions toward the other at least past said intermediate null position.
 10. A creel assembly as defined in claim 9 wherein said manually engageable means comprises a rigid lever pivotally interconnected with the associated pair of parallel links intermediate the ends thereof and extending downwardly therefrom.
 11. A creel assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said yarn guiding means includes a friction disc assembly for each yarn, each disc assembly including a freely rotatable upper disc biased into engagement with a cooperating lower disc by its own weight. 